Before we start to develop our understanding of the drug eruptions. Let’s first lay down the foundation by clearing some basic concepts. What is an Allergy? What is meant by an adverse drug reaction? What is the diversity of allergic reactions due to drugs? Allergy This is a hypersensitivity disorder…
Tag: Dermatology
Emergency Medicine 
LRINEC score for Necrotizing fascitis – Mnemonic
The LRINEC (Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis) score is a tool to distinguish ordinary skin infections from necrotizing fasciitis. Mnemonic: NeC WASH Na level: <135 mmol/L: 2 points Creatinine: >1.6 mg/dl: 2 points WBC: <15,000/cu.mm: 0 points 15,000-25000/cu.mm: 1 point >25,000/cu.mm: 2 points Acute phase reactant (CRP): >/= 150:…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Cellulitis vs Early Osteomyelitis – Clinical features
Often, one may find difficulty differentiating cellulitis from osteomyelitis in a patient presenting with signs of inflammation localized to an extremity. There are few points that must be kept in the back of head, that will help us to differentiate these two entities. 1. Overlying skin findings: In osteomyelitis, the…
Blog 
Acyclovir Post-exposure Prophylaxis for Varicella: Is it helpful?
Dose: 80 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses for 7 days; maximum 800 mg 4 times a day Time to start prophylaxis: 7-10 days after exposure (late incubation period) Indication: People without evidence of immunity and with contraindications for varicella vaccination (VZIg) Results from some studies Among 27 children in the…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
15 “P”s of Lichen Planus
In your medical school, you must have heard about the 5 “P”s of Lichen planus representing the gross morphology of Lichen Planus. This 15 P mnemonic encompasses morphology, drug and other associations and histology of lichen planus. Morphology:PruriticPlanar (Flat-topped)PolygonalPurplePapulesPattern of white lines on papules (Wickham’s stria)Pterygium in nailsPhenomenon of Koebner…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Cell-Cell or Interceullular Junctions
Junction Location Composition Function Remarks Tight junction (Zonula occludens) Epithelial cell-Epithelial cell Claudin and Occludin (attaches to cytoskeleton – actin filament) Prevents paracellular movement of solutes and diffusion Adherens junction (Zonula adherens) Epithelial cell-Epithelial cell E-cadherin (attaches to cytoskeleton – actin filament) Belt desmosome (Anchoring) Cadherins are Ca2+ depndend adhesion…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Mechanoreceptors : Mnemonic
Adaptation of Mechanoreceptors Mnemonic: Life is fast for MPs (Member of Parliament) and slow for MRs. In alphabetical order, meIssner’s come becore meRkel. Hence, Meissner’s corpuscle are the quicker among two. 1. Fast adapting receptors: MP Meissner’s corpuscle Pacinian corpuscle 2. Slowly adapting receptors: MR Merkel disc Ruffini corpuscle/ending Location of…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Koilonychia
Synonyms: Spoon-shaped nails, Concave nails Definition of koilonychia: Loss of longitudinal and lateral convexity of the nail, with thinning and fraying of the distal portions. Conditions associated with koilonychia: Normal variant Soft nails with occupational damage Iron deficiency anemia Hemochromatosis Raynaud’s syndrome Psoriasis (Koilonychia with subungual keratosis) Mechanism of koilonychia in…